Building element for different uses

ABSTRACT

A building element of a specified shape having at least one surface including at least two diagonally opposed projected portions and at least two diagonally opposed recessed portions in relation to the diagonally opposed projected portions. The projected portions are adapted to engage and interlock by snap fit and/or by interlock friction with a substantially identical side of a corresponding building element.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a building element of a specified shape. This element can be used for different purposes, such as toys for playing, or for construction elements for building walls or similar constructions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many interlocking means have been developed for different applications. The aim of using an interlocking means is to lock two or more objects to each other. Such locking means essentially performs a secure locking function and usually maintains the objects in tight interlocked relationship. Common usages of interlocking means are among others clothing buttons, interlocking toys and different geometric shapes.

There are some patents granted which are considered background art to the current invention, these patents are the U.S. Pat. No. 5,098,328 A and US20140308872 A1. In these inventions the inventors found solutions involving pegs that are very prone to break but most importantly peg and hole solutions don't work when a cube is trying to be connected to a design, only one face at a time could be connected.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

With the current invention kids can add for instance a cube into a design even if they have to utilize three or four faces at once. The connection is based on snap and/or friction and the low-profile protrusions allow the cubes to slide into place easily. There is no need to target and aim for a peg to enter its corresponding hole. Limitations of conventional building toys is minimized The present invention concerns interlocking means, such as a puzzle cube, a toy cube, a toy cylinder, a toy cone a toy pyramid, a clothing fastener, an interlocking band comprising geometry that enables attaching to another similar device with the possibility of detaching. The invention is directed to a novel interlocking means, each of said interlocking means being associatively adapted to be detachably engageable with a friction effect.

In a broad aspect the present invention relates to a building element of a specified shape having at least one surface comprising at least two diagonally opposed projected portions and at least two diagonally opposed recessed portions in relation to the diagonally opposed projected portions, wherein each projected portion has a flat surface facing away from the center of the building element and a circumferential side having in a first consecutive order a first, a second, and a third side, wherein the first side faces one of the diagonally opposed recessed portions and the second side faces the other of the diagonally opposed recessed portions and the third side faces away from the diagonally opposed recessed portions, or in a second consecutive order a first, a second, a third and a fourth side, wherein the first and the third side are opposite each other and the second and fourth side are opposite each other and wherein the first side faces one of the diagonally opposed recessed portions and wherein the second side faces the other of the diagonally opposed recessed portions, and wherein each recessed portion has a flat surface facing away from the center of the building element and wherein the flat surface of each recessed portion is in a plane substantially parallel to the flat surface of each projected portions, characterized in that at least the first and second side of the projected portions are adapted to engage and interlock by snap fit and/or by interlock friction with a substantially identical first and second side of a corresponding building element.

In an embodiment of the building element the specific shape has from 2 to 10 surfaces. Typically, 6 surfaces, such as a cube. Preferably, the specific shape is a cube having six surfaces.

In a further embodiment the at least one surface has two diagonally opposed projected portions and two diagonally opposed recessed portions. When the building element is a cube it has 8 corners of which 4 corners has three adjacent projected portions, and of which 4 corners has three adjacent recessed portions. This gives a particular strong attach and detach possibility and in addition an unlimited number of cubes can be interlocked in an unlimited number of ways to create walls, and to create meaningful structures and designs. It further minimizes the limitations of conventional building toys.

In another embodiment of the building element the snap fit of the first and second side is by means of a lip and a groove, or an overhang and an undercut, or wherein the first and second side forms an angle of less than 90° at the connection with the recessed portion.

In a further embodiment of the building element each of the first and the second side forms an angle of 90° at the connection with the recessed portion, and the first and second side of the projected portions are adapted to engage and interlock by friction.

In a further embodiment the building element is made of a solid molded material, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), typically ABS.

In a still further embodiment the building element is selected from any one of the elements shown in FIGS. 1-14.

In a further aspect the building element of the present invention is for use as a toy for assembling a desired structure.

In another aspect the building element of the present invention is for use as a construction element in building a wall.

In a further aspect the present invention relates to a mold for making a building element of the present invention. Typically, the mold is used for making a building element of any one of the elements shown in FIGS. 1-14. Preferably the mold is selected from the mold shown in FIGS. 15-16.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will appear from the following description, and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view of a preferred embodiment of invention in the form of a building block.

FIG. 2 is a view of three building blocks assembled together to create a linear connection.

FIG. 3-4 are the views of a building block cross section A-A

FIG. 5-6 are the views of another embodiment of the invention and its cross-section B-B

FIG. 7-8-9-10 are the views of the connection of the preferred embodiment (FIG. 7) and the alternative embodiment of the invention. FIG. 9-10 are the close-up detail views of the connection method.

FIG. 11 shows different recesses center areas for the embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 shows different kinds of embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13 shows pyramid embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14 shows flat panel embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 15 shows a 4-cavity injection molding tool in two halves that produces the building block.

FIG. 16 shows the aforementioned injection molding tool in orthographic views.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

There are many advantages of the present invention in a broad context as well as further even more advantages aspects of the embodiments.

In a broad aspect the present invention relates to a building element (1-8, 77-83) of a specified shape (1, 4, 7 a-7 d, 8, 77-83) having at least one surface (10-28) comprising at least two diagonally opposed projected portions (10, 13) and at least two diagonally opposed recessed portions (11, 17) in relation to the diagonally opposed projected portions, wherein each projected portion has a flat surface (10, 13) facing away from the center of the building element and a circumferential side (12, 14) having in a first consecutive order a first, a second, and a third side, wherein the first side (12) faces one of the diagonally opposed recessed portions (17) and the second side faces the other of the diagonally opposed recessed portions (11) and the third side (25) faces away from the diagonally opposed recessed portions, or in a second consecutive order a first, a second, a third and a fourth side, wherein the first and the third side are opposite each other and the second and fourth side are opposite each other and wherein the first side faces one of the diagonally opposed recessed portions and wherein the second side faces the other of the diagonally opposed recessed portions, and wherein each recessed portion has a flat surface (11, 17) facing away from the center of the building element and wherein the flat surface of each recessed portion is in a plane substantially parallel to the flat surface of each projected portions, characterized in that at least the first and second side of the projected portions are adapted to engage and interlock by snap fit (69, 79) and/or by interlock friction (71, 72) with a substantially identical first and second side of a corresponding building element.

The invention will now be described more fully with reference to the appended drawing illustrating typical embodiments of the invention. This drawing is by no means limiting the scope of the present invention and is only intended to guide the skilled person for better understanding of the present invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates a typical embodiment of the building element of the present invention. This is in the shape of a basic cube building block with protrusions on its six faces. In the FIG. 1, the three faces of the building block are visible. The protrusions (21,24,10,13,16,20) constitutes the six out of twelve. The protrusions split the surface they project from in two recessed areas (11,17,22,23,18,19). A typical protrusion (13) has inner facing surfaces angled (12) and outer facing surfaces (14) perpendicular to the surface its protruding from. The angled surfaces (12) of a protrusion (13) creates the snap mechanism when another identical cube is attached.

After many tests the protrusions (20,21,26) are arranged in a way to form clusters at the corners of the building block so that there is always a possibility for another cube to attach without interference.

The gap (27) between two protrusions (13,10) allows cubes to connect without interference.

A single building block has six faces that can accept another cube. A typical face has two diagonally placed protrusion (24,21) and two recessed areas (22,23). A connection would take place if protrusions (21,24) is oriented so that they can meet the recessed surfaces (11,17) of another identical cube to form an assembly.

The preferred embodiment of invention as a building block has protrusions that are designed so that two sides of a protrusion slants upward (12).

Another embodiment of the invention works without a snap mechanism but utilizes the friction forces to hold the blocks together. Protrusions have straight surfaces (44,42) instead of any slant. In this embodiment FIG. 5 any other identical block can be attached using the same principle of alignment that was described for the preferred embodiment.

The slanted side of a protrusion (69) of a building block should face another slanted side of another protrusion (70) so as any snap connection to take place (FIG. 9) However another embodiment of the invention can also work based on the friction. The protrusions (71,72) will hold together based on the surface friction (FIG. 10)

For building blocks to be able to connect together there should be a recessed area at the center to allow protrusions to clear each other. This recess area can be as small as possible as long as the gap is never closed. Some of the shapes that can be utilized but not limited to are square recess (73) parallelogram recess (77) rounded recess (75) or circular recess (76).

The main connection method of diagonally placed protrusions (13,10) can be applied to different surfaces of different volumetric or planar shapes. So as to make angular connections a cube with an angular top (77) can be utilized. A flat surface can be equipped with the protrusions (78,79) to accept connections on either side. Another embodiment of the invention is a cylinder (80) that has diagonally placed protrusions on both ends. There are many shapes such as half a sphere with top cut off (81). Pyramids can be also chosen as the base surface for the building block (82,83)

The diagonal protrusions can also be incorporated in different shapes resulting the protrusions to resemble triangles (82) or quarter circles (80) However, whatever the protrusion shapes can be, they always have two inner facing surfaces that connects via either snap or friction.

A base equipped with the aforementioned protrusions (8) can be created in different size plates.

A mold is required to manufacture the building block (1) that can be in the form of a steel tool that consists of two main halves (m1,m2) and subsections that help create undercuts that are vital for the preferred embodiment. An injection of plastic will yield a number of building blocks.

Building blocks may also be manufactured by using industrial level Polyjet, SLS, SLA or consumer level filament based printers, however, the coupling power of the blocks won't as strong as of one produced through injection molding process.

All references, including publications, patent applications and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference was individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and was set forth in its entirety herein.

All headings and sub-headings are used herein for convenience only and should not be construed as limiting the invention in any way.

Any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a short method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless other-wise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. Unless otherwise stated, all exact values provided herein are representative of corresponding approximate values (e.g., all exact exemplary values provided with respect to a particular factor or measurement can be considered to also provide a corresponding approximate measurement, modified by “about”, where appropriate).

All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless other-wise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

The terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents as used in the context of describing the invention are to be construed to insert both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. Thus, “a” and “an” and “the” may mean at least one, or one or more.

The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise indicated. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any element is essential to the practice of the invention unless as much is explicitly stated.

The citation and incorporation of patent documents herein is done for convenience only and does not reflect any view of the validity, patentability and/or enforceability of such patent documents.

The description herein of any aspect or embodiment of the invention using terms such as “comprising”, “having”, “including” or “containing” with reference to an element or elements is intended to provide support for a similar aspect or embodiment of the invention that “consists of”, “consists essentially of”, or “substantially comprises” that particular element or elements, unless otherwise stated or clearly contradicted by context (e.g., a composition described herein as comprising a particular element should be understood as also describing a composition consisting of that element, unless otherwise stated or clearly contradicted by context).

This invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter re-cited in the aspects or claims presented herein to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description may, both separately and in any combination thereof, be material for realizing the invention in diverse forms thereof. 

1-12. (canceled)
 13. A building element of a specified shape having at least one surface comprising: at least two diagonally opposed projected portions and at least two diagonally opposed recessed portions in relation to the diagonally opposed projected portions, wherein each projected portion has a flat surface facing away from the center of the building element and a circumferential side having in a first consecutive order a first, a second, and a third side, wherein the first side faces one of the diagonally opposed recessed portions and the second side faces the other of the diagonally opposed recessed portions and the third side faces away from the diagonally opposed recessed portions, or in a second consecutive order a first, a second, a third and a fourth side, wherein the first and the third side are opposite each other and the second and fourth side are opposite each other and wherein the first side faces one of the diagonally opposed recessed portions and wherein the second side faces the other of the diagonally opposed recessed portions, and wherein each recessed portion has a flat surface facing away from the center of the building element and wherein the flat surface of each recessed portion is in a plane substantially parallel to the flat surface of each projected portions, wherein at least the first and second side of the projected portions are adapted to engage and interlock by snap fit and/or by interlock friction with a substantially identical first and second side of a corresponding building element.
 14. The building element of claim 13, wherein the specific shape has from two to ten surfaces.
 15. The building element of claim 13, wherein the specific shape is a cube having six surfaces.
 16. The building element of any one of claims 13, wherein the at least one surface has two diagonally opposed projected portions and two diagonally opposed recessed portions.
 17. The building element of claim 13, wherein the cube has eight corners of which four corners has three adjacent projected portions, and of which four corners has three adjacent recessed portions.
 18. The building element of claim 13, wherein the snap fit of the first and second side is by means of a lip and a groove, or an overhang and an undercut, or wherein the first and second side forms an angle of less than 90° at the connection with the recessed portion.
 19. The building element of claim 13, wherein each of the first and the second side forms an angle of 90° at the connection with the recessed portion, and the first and second side of the projected portions are adapted to engage and interlock by friction.
 20. The building element of claim 13, wherein the building element is made of a solid molded material.
 21. A building element of a specified shape having at least one surface comprising: at least two diagonally opposed projected portions and at least two diagonally opposed recessed portions in relation to the diagonally opposed projected portions, wherein each projected portion has a flat surface facing away from the center of the building element and a circumferential side having in a first consecutive order a first, a second, and a third side, wherein the first side faces one of the diagonally opposed recessed portions and the second side faces the other of the diagonally opposed recessed portions and the third side faces away from the diagonally opposed recessed portions, or in a second consecutive order a first, a second, a third and a fourth side, wherein the first and the third side are opposite each other and the second and fourth side are opposite each other and wherein the first side faces one of the diagonally opposed recessed portions and wherein the second side faces the other of the diagonally opposed recessed portions, and wherein each recessed portion has a flat surface facing away from the center of the building element and wherein the flat surface of each recessed portion is in a plane substantially parallel to the flat surface of each projected portions, wherein at least the first and second side of the projected portions are adapted to engage and interlock by snap fit and/or by interlock friction with a substantially identical first and second side of a corresponding building element, for use as a toy for assembling a desired structure.
 22. A building element of a specified shape having at least one surface comprising: at least two diagonally opposed projected portions and at least two diagonally opposed recessed portions in relation to the diagonally opposed projected portions, wherein each projected portion has a flat surface facing away from the center of the building element and a circumferential side having in a first consecutive order a first, a second, and a third side, wherein the first side faces one of the diagonally opposed recessed portions and the second side faces the other of the diagonally opposed recessed portions and the third side faces away from the diagonally opposed recessed portions, or in a second consecutive order a first, a second, a third and a fourth side, wherein the first and the third side are opposite each other and the second and fourth side are opposite each other and wherein the first side faces one of the diagonally opposed recessed portions and wherein the second side faces the other of the diagonally opposed recessed portions, and wherein each recessed portion has a flat surface facing away from the center of the building element and wherein the flat surface of each recessed portion is in a plane substantially parallel to the flat surface of each projected portions, wherein at least the first and second side of the projected portions are adapted to engage and interlock by snap fit and/or by interlock friction with a substantially identical first and second side of a corresponding building element, for use as a construction element in building a wall. 